Get your yard ready for hurricane winds

When it comes to preparing trees for strong hurricane winds, landscaper Fernando A. Russek Jr. advises that homeowners exercise common sense.

"Don't wait ‘til the last minute because everyone will be busy," said Russek, the owner and head landscaper of My Nursery in San Benito.

He added, "Dispose of any debris that can fly and damage your property."

Pruning, a landscaping tool used to shape trees as well as remove diseased or dead branches, is often the most difficult task in landscaping, Russek said.

"If you think it's dangerous and you can't do it, don't do it," Russek cautions.

"You might hurt yourself and it might cost you more than if you had someone professional help."

TreeHelp.com suggests pruning during the late fall or winter, since it minimizes the chance for infections and puts less stress on a tree. Dead branches, however, can be removed anytime.

"If you don't do regular trimming, at least try to trim branches away from the top of your house," said Russek.

Lupe Villarreal, with L & V Lawn Care in Harlingen says the dried palm fronds left on palm trees can pack a strong punch when propelled by winds.

"They can break away very easily," said Villarreal.

When pruning without hiring a professional, Russek said cut off as little as possible.

Web sites like TreeHelp.com offer step by step instructions for pruning and also tool suggestions.

All cuts for pruning needs to be done on the branch side of the stem collar. This type of cut allows for a healthy healing and also protects other branches still growing from the collar.

Landscapers suggest that cuts on branches not be cut more than 25 percent. Pruning anymore can be dangerous to trees.

When pruning, TreeHelp.com explains to make three cuts. The first is on the underside of the branch, which prevents from tears along the bark and stem tissue.

Farther away, cut all the way through the branch leaving a stub.

Finally, make the third cut closest to the stem collar.

The key to preparing a lawn before a hurricane is to not start the preparation work days or weeks before a hurricane hits.

Russek suggests that homeowners get rid of dead branches on trees and branches that sit close to power lines and homes.

"This is something they should think of all year ‘round," he said.

Signs of damage on tree branches or trunks need to be fixed immediately.